lead

In Australia lead is used in the manufacture of some plumbing products, such as brass fittings. These products are widely used in drinking water systems in homes and commercial and industrial buildings. Lead can be released from some brass plumbing fittings, either as small particles or through dissolving into the drinking water, particularly where the water has been sitting in contact with these brass plumbing products for long periods.

In July 2017, the Western Australian State Government released the Report on Perth Children’s Hospital Potable Water following the discovery of lead levels at above the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG) in the drinking water supply of the hospital.

Lead at higher than suitable levels was identified in the drinking water supply in May, 2016. The construction of the new Perth Children’s Hospital had commenced in 2012.